Isonicotinic Acid, also known as INH, is a medication used to treat tuberculosis. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "i" is pronounced as "ai," the "s" is pronounced as "z," and the "o" is pronounced as "ɒ." The next syllable "nic" is pronounced as "nɪk" and "oti" is pronounced as "ɒtɪ." The last syllable "c" is pronounced as "k." The correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms are crucial for effective communication and safe patient care.
Isonicotinic acid, also known as isonicotinic acid or 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid, is a chemical compound belonging to the class of pyridinecarboxylic acids. It is derived from pyridine, a heterocyclic aromatic compound, through the introduction of a carboxylic acid functional group at the para position of the pyridine ring.
Isonicotinic acid exists as a white crystalline solid with a molecular formula of C6H5NO2. It has a molecular weight of approximately 123.11 grams per mole. The compound is slightly soluble in water and ethanol, and insoluble in most organic solvents.
One of the primary applications of isonicotinic acid is in the field of organic synthesis. It serves as a building block or precursor molecule for the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other organic compounds. For instance, isoniazid, an important drug used for the treatment of tuberculosis, is synthesized by reacting isonicotinic acid with hydrazine.
Isonicotinic acid also exhibits some biological activities. It has been studied for its potential antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, isonicotinic acid has been explored for its ability to chelate or bind with metal ions, making it useful in metal coordination chemistry and catalysis.
In summary, isonicotinic acid is a versatile chemical compound extensively used in organic synthesis for the preparation of pharmaceuticals and other valuable compounds. It also possesses potential biological activities and is characterized by its pyridine-based structure.
The word "Isonicotinic Acid" is derived from the combination of two terms: "isonicotinic" and "acid".
The term "isonicotinic" is derived from "isonicotinamide", which was found in the 1950s to have isoniazid properties, an antituberculous agent. The "iso-" prefix indicates that it is an isomer, similar in structure but differing in properties from a specific compound. "Nicotinic" is derived from the term "nicotinamide", which is related to nicotine.
The term "acid" refers to a class of chemical compounds characterized by their ability to donate protons or accept electrons. In the case of isonicotinic acid, it refers to the acidic properties of the molecule due to the presence of a carboxyl group (–COOH).